Cornwall Gold and Wheal Jane Smelt Tolgus Tin in Landmark Partnership

For the first time in more than ten years, Tolgus tin has been smelted on Cornish soil, marking what could be a final chapter in the Duchy’s long mining story.

In a landmark partnership between Cornwall Gold and Wheal Jane Laboratory, feed material from the Tolgus stream was blended with Cornish tin concentrate. Some of that concentrate had been stored since before Cornish mining came to an end in 1998.

The result was 1.4kg of gleaming white Cornish tin ingots, produced at Wheal Jane’s smelting house.

Fired at 1,200°C

Using charcoal and flux, the blended tin concentrate was heated to 1,200°C. The process produced a small but significant batch of ingots, described as a reminder of Cornwall’s world famous milling and mining heritage.

This batch is especially significant because it could be among the last ever smelted in Cornwall. The Wheal Jane smelting shed is set to close for redevelopment by the end of 2025, potentially bringing one of the final chapters in Cornish tin history to a close.

Supporting Tolgus Tin Mill

For Cornwall Gold, the smelt highlights the community spirit helping to keep Cornwall’s mining story alive.

Mike Taylor, Managing Director of Cornwall Gold, said:

“Our Grade II Listed Tolgus Tin Mill is the last of its kind in the country. Every piece of Tolgus jewellery helps fund its regeneration. To work with stalwarts of Cornish mining on this smelt has been an honour and makes this batch tin even more special.”

Clifford Rice, Director of Wheal Jane Laboratory, added:

“We’ve enjoyed working with Cornwall Gold and will support however and whenever possible in the future.”

The tin from this batch will now be alloyed with silver and gold by Cornwall Gold to create pieces for their Tolgus jewellery collection. Every sale will directly support the restoration of the Grade II Tolgus Tin Mill.

About Cornwall Gold

Located in the heart of Cornwall’s traditional mining district, Cornwall Gold offers visitors the chance to explore Cornwall’s tin mining past. The attraction features a free interactive Tolgus Mill exhibition, gold panning, the Tolgus Trail and an award winning Cornish Pantry. Visitors can also Pick a Diamond, Pick a Pearl, try pottery painting or The Bear Works, and shop for Cornish jewellery in the showroom.

The site is dog friendly, offers free parking, is open daily and has free entry.